Headhunter & Career Coach, Dandan Zhu, shares what employers actually want and how you, as a candidate, can get ahead on job search and careers! Dandan's expertise helping countless candidates from CEO-level to analyst negotiate their next career opportunity is YOUR secret weapon to find your next…
As a millennial, I am lucky that some portion of my life I grew up without the impact of social media, rampant consumerism, and the social isolation that is happening now to future generations, impacting Gen Z. In this episode, I talk about the issues and mindsets to adopt to help Gen Z achieve their goals. Of course, there is massive potential and future for everyone no matter what generation you're in, but understanding why you feel as you do and you do the things you do will greatly help. Self-awareness is always the first step to finding solutions.
As a headhunter, I'm always negotiating from DAY ONE. Too many people forget that the clock starts ticking the moment you engage in the job search process. Make sure you're able to get ahead of the game by considering some of these negotiation tactics to embrace so you are leading the discussion from the front, not reactively!
If you're asking the question of how to get headhunters to notice you, it means that you don't have headhunters who are actively seeking you out as things stand. That could most likely be because the highest likelihood that they don't exist or could be disinterested in serving your type of background. In markets where you have lots of headhunter activity, headhunter requests are so bothersome candidates shut down. Thus, what I'll teach you is how to get headhunters to notice you if they haven't already.
As you really start analyzing what you'd like to do for your career strategy, it's definitely worth a think to determine the pros and cons of joining either a startup or a large company, and how that may impact your ability to obtain short-term cash (wages) or long term renumeration (business ownership in the form of equity). Not all equity is created equal especially since there are some firms where that matters, others where that equity will never amount to anything. Thus, consider all the factors so you make the RIGHT decision for your future!
As usual, I won't sugarcoat my thoughts on people who get into businesses that fail or have put you at significant financial loss. There is a LOT of self-reflecting needed to break through and understand the causes of business failure. The only way to move forward is to learn from your mistakes and do things differently, not be defensive or offended by reality. Lastly, there is NOTHING shameful about bankruptcy. I talk about why it can be good for you here.
As someone who grew up as the babysitter's daughter, I always knew my family's lack of knowledge and money when it comes to success in America was a handicap. I had to break free from my parents' and society's expectations of myself and re-learn the whole system of success on my own to find my salvation. Many people ask me for a path to success or a direct map. Please listen to this entire podcast to find your road.
All of my mistakes in life stem from this Top 4 of 10 Career Killers: Caring too much about what others think. Literally, everything that has caused me grief and made me miserable was due to this factor. The moment I was able to free my mind and my own expectations from what others wanted from me, I was able to embark on a journey of self-fulfillment through wealth accumulation, thus achieving my true destiny of being an entrepreneur, public speaker, and headhunter.
As a headhunter and successful past intern for many Fortune 500s since my highschool and college days, I walk you through EXACTLY what you need to do to get an internship today. This process is EASIER than ever due to the internet and our abundance social media tools. It just requires the right approach and mindset. This may not going to be fun to listen to because I will highlight a few things wrong with the mainstream approach. Instead, I'll share the RIGHT way to ready yourself for your future career!
As a headhunter, I no doubt, like many others, prefer to work with my candidates (clients less so) exclusively. However, I will not stop my candidates from entertaining new opportunities or speaking with other people. In today's Daily DANDAN, I go through the reasons why: 1. Exclusivity (under the right circumstances) benefits everyone. 2. You're entitled to candidate rights and protection. 3. You still have power in the recruitment process. Enjoy!
Growing up and as an adult, everyone tells me how much money I need to sock away for "a rainy day" aka start an emergency fund. Now, as a business-owner, entrepreneur, and landlord, I'm no longer fooled by traditional "advice" when it comes to money. Here is my argument for what the emergency fund really is. I also share a few personal stories to illustrate the time I actually had a real emergency!
As I'm in many groups about investing, I was surprised and dismayed at how many people were encouraging others to do something that is not really in accordance with investment strategies that work, specifically on the topic of debt. The question poised is should you pay off your car debt, why and why not? My answer is to be smarter about how you allocate capital and utilize debt. Hear my full breakdown of how debt contributed to my wealth building and the misconceptions to avoid when it comes to mainstream 'advice'.
I get requests from graduates constantly who want me to help them get a job after graduation from any type of degree in every country. Commonly, ex-students want me to suggest them a solution when really, it is yourself whom you need to rely on to provide solutions to YOURSELF. This podcast is painful to hear, but listen to all of it. If you're a graduate with no job - you'd better start hustling... FAST
As someone who became financially free by accumulating wealth, establishing a successful career and business by my 30th birthday, I love talking about what success means to me and how to achieve it. There is nothing more beautiful than to see others who are happy, financially free, and using the rest of their time on earth to dedicate their lives to helping others in their unique way. I truly believe that if we all were financially wealthy, the world would be such a beautiful and exciting place to live! Thus, here are 5 steps to achieving success. Hint: It's a lot simpler than you think!
As a minute by minute user of LinkedIn per day, I see all the attitudes, behaviors, and expectations about LinkedIn as a platform that many people don't understand. I'll break down exactly what Linkedin is made to do and what how to best utilize it! Don't be a victim of the system, become a master at it. -Dandan #headhunter #dandanglobal
As someone who has been investing since I was 19 starting with a certificate of deposit account, I started trusting the financial system of being able to generate return simply based on the principles of interest as well as potential to see appreciation if you pick the right investment to invest in. Here are 3 major steps to get your start in investing. I share a lot of resources you definitely should check out. More importantly, it's time to take the plunge. Start allocating your funds to investing instead of leisure! #dandanglobal #headhunter
Recently, a gamechanger asked me this: "Do you believe in switching industries completely without the background mid career? If you know you can do a role that you've never done before given basic training, what is the best way to communicate this to a hiring manager?" My answer is that you have more to gain and can do this easier than you think! Listen to this full episode for a breakdown of why career changes are not so hard after all!
Bill Beteet is one of the most charismatic, articulate, and powerful communicators I have had the pleasure of introducing on the Daily DANDAN. Bill shares advice on how to conquer a room, any social situation, and all networking events for all personality types. His practical suggestions will inspire, spark, and create motivation in you to achieve things you may not even know you're capable of. Listen to the WHOLE podcast since every word is worth its weight in gold! #dandanglobal #headhunter #recruitment #recruiter #success
It's good to be cheap and frugal, but not always When it comes to careers, many people spend more as they start earning more. They get deeply sucked into the rat race, which leads to subpar life and career decisions. What is sad and ironic is that people are willing to shell out as much money as they need to for consumer goods, instead of spending smartly on self-development, environmental betterment, and learning the skills you need to continue developing. Financial success is deeply intertwined with career success, as with all aspects of our lives. Thus, the Daily DANDAN reminds us all to consider what we're spending money on and whether it's worth it or not.
We are who we are largely because of the environment we've been exposed to throughout our lives. As much as proponents of individualism and autonomy like to promote how humans can conquer their environment, reality does NOT reflect that sentiment. This #2 of 10 career killers will contribute to negative feelings, emotions, and actions that may hurt your career prospects. Be very diligent about what you do in this regard! #dandanglobal #recruitment #recruit #headhunting #headhunter #recruiter #headhunter #success
Everyone has experienced analysis paralysis - you think too much and do too little. This is a major career killer because it stops you from thinking the right thoughts and doing what you must to obtain a great job offer. I share personal stories and metaphors to hammer this point in. What we need to be doing instead of thinking is getting out to market. Whether that's your background, your business, or your consulting capabilities, people need to know you, to hear from you, and know that you exist. Therefore, DOING is the best thing you can do today to jumpstart your career and business. Sign-up to Dandanglobal.com on what to DO to get the career and life you envision!
This has happened to all of us. We got an interview or job offer, and then for whatever personal or professional reasons holding us back, we decided to pull out. Usually as a great headhunter, I was nevertheless able to convince my candidates not to say no to themselves, but in the rare cases it happened, I was able to help my candidates get back into the process. Here is how you do it. It's not hard but it's not easy...
I hate saying what I say in this podcast article. But it's the truth. It's also based on the real world. What I saw as a female professional motivated me to quickly leave the corporate world as soon as possible to start my own business so that I wouldn't have to put up with people, systems, and attitudes that would stymie my growth, achievements, and success. This is definitely not what you want to hear. Undoubtedly jarring and controversial, I hope you'll hear my message through this podcast that may perhaps change your path forward for the better. We can all make the world a better place, but the first step is realizing how to make theory a reality.
As many of you may have heard, Google recently fired James Damore, the author of a 10-page manifesto criticizing Google (and the wider tech industry's) embracing of diversity initiatives. Hear Dandan talk about why Damore's thoughts are so misguided and dangerous to those who want to have a successful career in today's terms. Charlatans like Damore spew dangerous filth that will literally ruin your career as it did to him. Please be careful on how you will champion your views so that you don't suffer from the same fate!
I walk you through the common areas people over-spend on and how this issue of affordability is ruining the world and our lives as we know it. Don't fall victim to this life-damaging habit of living beyond your means. This is not simply the way to achieve success; this concept is crucial for your survival!
EVERYONE wants to be happy. Yet depression levels globally have never been higher. The real reason why many people can't achieve happiness is because they have not mastered (don't even know about) Dandan's Hierarchy of Needs, a modern twist on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Do you agree?
Should you worry about salary or opportunity when looking for a new job? The answer is not as black and white as you think...
Here's exactly how I accumulated enough assets to retire at 28. What I mean by retiring is not that I'm going to disappear into a perpetual nothingness, but that I no longer have to work for a corporation. This is my story of how I achieved it. I hope you enjoy it!
As a junior headhunter, you're probably just learning the ropes of not only the job, but the environment, the market, and yourself! I talk about the 2 major things you need to watch out for to succeed as a junior headhunter!
This is age-based advice directed specifically for our gamechangers under 35-40 years of age. The career game for people at various stages of their lives are certainly nuanced and different because there is a strict reality of time-bound strategies that must be taken into account. Hear the 4 major aspects that young people MUST MUST MUST watch out for to succeed!
As a headhunter, I see people everyday do things that aren't going to help them successfully find a job. When people embark on job search, they commit these general mistakes. Listen to the full episode to make sure you're not falling victim to any of these mentalities. Stay strong and job search on!
When investigating new opportunities, people immediately hop onto the internet and start researching. In today's podcast, not only does Dandan talk about what 3 avenues are the best ways to research positions and companies, Dandan also shares some key advice on what not to do when it comes to research. Tune in for some great practical advice on what to do (or NOT) when it comes to job search research!
As a headhunter, I've spoken with countless candidates who have all voiced these concerns with me. I compiled a list of the worst things people have said that seriously impacts your attractiveness as a candidate. To a certain extent, these comments are naive. If you're to take it negatively, these comments are irresponsible to yourself and your potential. Beware of these common self-limiting beliefs and behaviors that have been detrimental to success.
Success always stems from a journey of struggle, mishaps, and missteps. No one had it easy. Therefore, your best strategy when unemployed is to adopt a positive mindset, hopeful and excited for your next step! Listen to the episode for encouragement during your period of job search while unemployed!
Everyone up to millennial age believes that in our lifetimes, we have the luxury to experiment with our careers and live freely. That works, but to a certain extent. Now, more than ever, you must quickly and as efficiently, choose a career path, in order to become a top performer in your field. That's how the majority of people experience salary increases and wealth creation. What is your superpower? If you know, find a way to create a business or career out of it!
The most important part of getting a job is obtaining interviews. In order to do that, too many people are gun-shotting their resumes at potential employers and job portal sites. What happens behind the scenes is NOT what you want to hear or see... Be very careful when submitting your resume for all of these reasons!
A big lightbulb moment dawned on me when reading MJ DeMarco's book, Millionaire Fastlane. This concept of Consumer V Producer that I wrote about on LinkedIn is a deep topic that drastically shifts the way I look at my day and what I did as an activity. If we, as a society, can all shift towards more producer-based thinking and behavior, there is no doubt we'd all be richer, wealthier, more successful, and happier.
As people constantly shove their resumes into peoples' online faces before even knowing who they are, I provide a sincere warning against doing so. Not only does submitting your resume everywhere decrease your desirability as a candidate, it also highlights a certain degree of naivete. We need to evolve with the times and understand the DANDAN Method to job search so that you're not wasting your time looking stupid in the job search process!
For more senior candidates who have worked for at least 2-3 years Full-time, here are some great ideas on how to get started with procuring interviews and job leads for yourself!
Settling for the wrong job, relationship, financial, and personal situation, while comfortable and easy in the short-term, poses dire consequences from a long-term perspective. Re-consider areas of your life that you're not satisfied with to achieve your dreams for the future!
As tough as my relationship with my dad has been throughout the years due to his gambling (and other)addiction, I wanted to share the positive aspects of how my dad has shaped my development. If you want to hear me cry, listen to this episode - I get pretty choked up!
We all struggle with motivation. It's part of being human. I have a different take on why we're always having issues with motivation. Here are a few ideas what you can do in your life to sustainably achieve what you want, instead of simply feeling motivated for a fleeting moment!
I thought succeeding in entrepreneurship is the same as what I had to do as a headhunter. The reality is: it's a true wild west and you're noone when you start the journey of entrepreneurship. The world doesn't care who you were in your previous life, all the amazing things you've done. When you become an entrepreneur, it's time to start over. Re-program your brain, your life, how you think, otherwise prepare for a rough ride. I learned so much this first year and I am pumped for what's to come!
As a young headhunter at 23, I had to convince people double to even triple my age to trust in my expertise, capabilities, and potential to deliver. I'm so grateful I learned about downspeak early into my career so that I was able to massively increase my development as a sales leader. Downspeak can change your life and career trajectory so tune into this episode to learn all about it!
This one game-changing life hack put things in perspective for me on what you can do to always guarantee success. I am eager to hear your life and career stories of the results of this life-changing habit!
As part of Daily DANDAN's Mentor Mondays series, Dandan shares personal stories of inspiration from her life and career mentors. In this series, you'll get to hear exactly who has shaped Dandan and has continued to influence Dandan's philosophy, business approach, and life goals. Mentors are invaluable to shape how we view the potential for our future, hopefully this episode will remind you of some mentors in your life to thank or get back in touch with!
Although you can't rely on a mentor to carry you through to life and career success, mentors are nevertheless helpful in our journey. They can be instrumental to provide inspiration, motivation, and perhaps some tidbits of advice to improve your current situation. Here is some practical advice on how to best create genuine, supportive, and meaningful mentor relationships!
As a headhunter, I have the privilege to see peoples' career decisions in real time. Here's why I absolutely abhor this biggest career mistake over other alternatives that will actually help you reach success faster! Scary stuff, spread the word if you know a friend, colleague, or family member who could benefit from hearing this! #dandanglobal
Want a mentor but not having any luck? You joined a mentorship program but you're not getting anything out of it, now what? Basically, you've bought into mentorship programs and what they should deliver. Except they don't. Hear a few tips on what you can do to get out of your rut and find mentors who actually will help you!
We talked about what you need to do at the beginning of your headhunting career when deciding what firm to work for, how about as a more seasoned headhunter? Here are some major factors to consider when making a move! For the gamechangers out there who want to move into your next headhunting role, get in touch with our team today at contact@dandanglobal.com
When you're starting your headhunting/recruitment career, here are some crucial tips that may change the course of your life! I wish I knew these pointers when I started my career! Contact Dandan at Dandan Global for headhunting opportunities to be represented for free to our premium headhunting partners.
William Rader, Founder of WellAttended, a useful tool to sell tickets online for your upcoming event, conference, or show, sits down with Dandan to discuss his entrepreneurial journey from magician to startup founder! We'll discuss: - How to get started as a performer, avoiding becoming a "starving" artist - What ideas can best support your entrepreneurial venture - Career advice for those starting out with nothing! We'll also send a free career guide based off of William's discussion with Dandan soon so subscribe to dandanglobal.com now to receive our free guides!